Birchbark

/ˈbɜːtʃbɑːrk/ noun

Definition

The papery, white outer bark of a birch tree, often used for crafts, writing, or fuel.

Etymology

Compound of 'birch' (from Old English 'birce') and 'bark' (from Old Norse 'bǫrkr'). Both words are ancient Germanic terms.

Kelly Says

Native Americans wrote on birchbark and made canoes with it—its naturally waterproof layers are so durable that archaeological birchbark manuscripts are still readable after 1,000 years!

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